Hagure Yuusha no Kichiku Bigaku Volume 9 Prologue

There was a country known as j.a.pan, an island nation in Asia that once had the second largest economy in the world. However -- ever since 30 years ago when young men and women from around the world began to be summoned to different worlds its economic power had been seriously threatened. Those teenagers obtained technology as well as magical abilities that even mankind's cutting-edge science and technology couldn't hold a candle to.

Countries around the world were forced to implement policy reform.

However, to this new wave of change it was evident that j.a.pan was half a step too slow compared to the international community.

There was no consistent policy reform, and always played the fence to the international community. This carelessness of j.a.pan forced them to pay a price.

However, under strong domestic public opinion pressure the j.a.panese Government had no choice but to amend its Const.i.tution. Promoting the status of the self-defense forces to a national army, then through COc.o.o.n planed the self governed region and constructed Babel, and so on. After barely being able keep up with the other advanced countries j.a.pan was somehow able to get back on par.

Therefore......

"Even though we have come this far, why....."

The 108th Prime Minister of j.a.pan - Sasagawa s.h.i.+nya cautiously groaned.

It was the middle of the night in the Prime Minister's official residence. More accurate to say, it was the top floor Prime Minister's Office.

j.a.pan was currently facing a critical situation related to the survival of the nation.

The secret research on cultivated high-dimensional being cells were at the present time stolen by an unknown party.

At present, all technology and abilities concerning alternate worlds without exception fall under the jurisdiction of the COc.o.o.n.

Once their research on the cells of a high-dimensional beings was exposed, it would undoubtedly be viewed as the j.a.panese Government were undermining COc.o.o.n -- that was to say, the betrayal of the world.

"When that moment comes Coc.o.o.n and new United Nations will draft a resolution to remove j.a.pan as a permanent member state... ... It might even be impossible that j.a.pan's name on a country to disappear from the world map."

Sasagawa's speculation was not alarmist talk.

A country had once betrayed COc.o.o.n, and today not just their name was removed off the map, the country itself completely disappeared from the Earth.

Having said that, as a reward for establis.h.i.+ng a self autonomous region as well as constructing Babel, COc.o.o.n allows new permanent members of the United Nations to conduct a minor amount of research on alternate world technology and abilities. Each country's government was limited to the level of research that would not threaten COc.o.o.n's position. COc.o.o.n typically turns a blind eye to these studies.

Unfortunately j.a.pan was the world's leading technology and research power.

And by chance obtained a high-dimensional being's cells.

The j.a.panese Government saw this chance not as a misfortune but rather as G.o.d-given luck, and begun to research the taboo--

or .

Now the

have been lost to JPN-Babel school of COc.o.o.n -- Hikami Kyouya's hands.

"The former Government unexpectedly left such a terrible mess, I really don't know if they had head screwed on."

Sasagawa spits out his bitter feelings.

In fact, research was not one of Sasagawa's directives.

There were several research projects that the prior Prime Minister approved that Sasagawa was not informed of. And until a few days after the laboratory being broken into and the

went missing Sasagawa did not even know of the existence research project.

But no matter how reluctant, Sasagawa still will take responsibility.

After all, he is j.a.pan's Prime Minister thereupon inherited the country's past politics.

"-- Prime Minister."

There was a light knock at the door and his secretary quietly enters Sasagawa's office.

"The relevant ministries and agencies are awaiting in the conference room. The conference room is also set up with a secure video channel in which the armies chief of staff is already on standby."

"Ah... ... I understand."

After receiving the report from his secretary, Sasagawa slowly got up from his chair.

"Umm, Prime Minister..."

His secretary calls out with an anxious look.

"...... Do we really want to do this?"

"There is no other choice...... j.a.pan's only chance is to make Hikami Kyouya the scapegoat and shoulder all the responsibility."

As Sasagawa said, j.a.pan had little choice.

Ideally I want to apprehend Kyouya and completely suppresses JPN-Babel, then surrender him to COc.o.o.n's headquarters. If we do this it may be possible for COc.o.o.n to have mercy on us. If you think about it someday, under these circ.u.mstance this was the best option.

But if it is not possible, all the original evidence that j.a.panese government was researching the should at least be destroyed. In a certain sense, it may be a blessing that JPN-Babel is currently in lock-down.

...... If I had to guess–

I'm afraid that Hikami Kyouya probably also betrayed COc.o.o.n. The theft incident happened five days ago, and the j.a.panese Government has not yet been denounced by COc.o.o.n, which is the best evidence of that being the case.

Therefore, all we can do now is take a hard line approach.

"If there cannot be peaceful take over, I'm afraid that Hikami Kyouya and JPN-Babel must be leveled."

"However, they are still COc.o.o.n and besides the self governed region....has many innocent people staying there. In the unlikely event of having to sacrifice them, I'm afraid that it will give rise to intense criticism from home and abroad."

"I understand, and when that moment comes I will a.s.sume all responsibility. Even if I leave behind the stigma of being the worlds most genocidal manic, and even brought before the guillotine, I will not turn back."

"The Prime Minister's determination is admirable, but... ... I ask to forgive your subordinates presumptuous."

His secretary pauses for a moment.

"-- This decision is not influence by the Prime Minister's own personal grudge?"

"......"

The confronted with secretary's question, Sasagawa fell silent.

He understood what the secretary's connotation.

Sasagawa indeed profoundly hated alternate worlds.

On account of him harboring a grudge about losing his family....

Sasagawa s.h.i.+nya's family went through h.e.l.lish pain when his family was summoned to alternate worlds.

The Sasagawa family was forced to endure the mercilessly sudden separation in silence. Sasagawa has three children, and all of them were summoned to alternate worlds.

His eldest son did not come back from the alternate world.

His second son did come back, but suffered a great scar on his heart over there.

After his second son gained special abilities he was viewed as a monster and was forced into the self governed region. Ultimately unable to stand the torment of the great scar on his heart, he chose to commit suicide.

Sasagawa and his wife's resentment eventually lead to their mutual divorce.

Therefore......

"I really do profoundly hate alternate worlds and I wish I could destroy the self governed region. I don't know how many families are broken because of that region. But...I can a.s.sure you that this decision is definitely not my own personal grudge."

The reason is very simple ......

Sasagawa still has a son.

Since his youngest son returned to this world it is almost impossible to make contact with him. His youngest son reviles Sasagawa, who favored politics over his second son and as well as for his death.

If this battle plan is implemented, Sasagawa will have to sacrifice his only remaining son. However, as the leader of a country, his strategic decisions cannot be effected by his personal feelings.

On the account of him having to protect his family and further his country.

Even if he considers his family, there still is no other choice.

Thus, the Prime Minister of j.a.pan Sasagawa s.h.i.+nya firmly says:

"Absolutely never give up. Even If I have to pay any price for the possibility of this country surviving, so be it."

There was a luxurious hotel in the commercial district.

At the very top was an extravagant presidential suite with everything from a sitting area, living room, and very s.p.a.cious bedroom. The superb view overlooking the self governed region at night was a must and incredibly popular with guests.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call this s.p.a.ce a paradise.

However, there was another advantage in the presidential suite that no other high level hotel could match.

That was the vast bathroom.

The luxurious bathroom was outfitted with marble and gold that exudes the grace of the enormous s.p.a.ce. Undoubtedly this is room fit for n.o.bility.

Now in the luxurious bathroom is a girl thoroughly enjoying the relaxing bathtub.

She is a beautiful girl.

No matter how you look at her, the shape of her face, the curves of her body, and even the atmosphere around her all emit a beautiful aura. Perhaps if it was possible for the naked eye to see her bones or internal organs --- they probably have a rare structure like crystalline found in the world. All in all, this girl has a presence that one cannot ignore.

"The room gets a pa.s.sing mark, but only the bathroom......isn't too not bad"

Looking at rose petals floating on the water in the bathtub, Cecil End-heart smiled.

The petals have drifted to her rich white b.r.e.a.s.t.s, a comfortable ticklish feeling.

The Hotel's housekeeper prepared the rosa multiflora to go with the Dom Perignon. The fragrance of flowers and the champagne fit very well in the bath. She was able to enjoy drinking half first, then by pouring the remaining half into the bathtub was able to enjoy it twice.

Reclining in a bath Cecil feeling like royalty, she moved her right hand and reached for marble round table near bathtub. Rather than a new bottle of the wine, she had her cell phone in her hand.

At the same time, her cell phone starts to ring...

Cecil press the call b.u.t.ton, and answers is a very pleasant tone.

"--- Do you have the report, Memeko."

Even without looking at the caller ID, Cecil still knew who the caller was.

The world's greatest terrorist group "Crimson Twilight".

Cecil is the leader and sent one of her subordinates on a mission --- Mikagami Memeko.

"JPN-Babel is in full quarantine, and I cannot get a good look. However ---"

On the other end of the phone Memeko begin to explain the situation in a quiet voice.

"Tiana seems to have made contact with Hikami Kyouya and I believed she rushed into battle."

"Ah ...... she chose to fight it out?"

Cecil was sought with regret and narrowed her eyes. A question came from the other end of the line.

"Leader, Do you want to stop her?"

"It won't be necessary. I have already hand over all the intelligence to Tiana, and told her to quit while she is ahead, and not continue fight. As long as Tiana resolved herself to fight, we should respect it."

Tiana isn't a fool, and should know the other has home-court advantage. Now that she has chosen to fight, it seems she may have a way to defeat Kyouya, or she had no other choice but to fight.

.....It is probably the latter.

The day the

arrived in the self governed region. Cecil briefly lost contact with Tiana, and she should have had a very important encounter.

Just like the herself who had a chance meeting that night.

Therefore Cecil asks:

"What became of the fight between Kaidou and Ousawa Akatsuki?"

"A third unexpectedly barge in, leaving no clear winner."

"Oh, that is really disappointing."

Originally I thought I could use this to measure Akatsuki's real strength.

Cecil was starting to fell a bitter....

"---While there was not a clear winner, Ousawa Akatsuki was evenly matched with Kaidou-san who used .

"Oh, really?"

"Should be true."

After hearing Memeko answer, Cecil's smile deepened.

The reason why she arranged Kaidou impede Akatsuki, was mainly to avoid Tiana clas.h.i.+ng with Akatsuki.

Tiana's goal is not just the . Circ.u.mstances permitting, Cecil hopes that Tiana can beat Kyouya.

There was a possibility of an untimely encounter between Akatsuki and Tiana.

In order to avoid that from happening, Kaidou must have tried to tie up Akatsuki until Tiana successful acquired the .

Admittedly delaying Akatsuki was Kaidou's primary task, however Cecil hoped to use this opportunity measure Akatsuki's strength.

In fact, Cecil thought that Akatsuki's strength inferior to Kaidou. At least that night when Cecil met Akatsuki by chance, she didn't think he could rival Kaidou.

However......

.....Unexpectedly Kaidou used and it ended in a draw.

This is more than Cecil imagination. Kaidou has a frivolous att.i.tude, but his power is genuine.

Akatsuki took Kaidou head on and was evenly matched.

It seems Cecil's favorable impression of the youth the first time they met was deserving.

"Fufu.....Really tempting....."

Cecil has a seductive smile.

".....Leader, you seem to be very happy."

Memeko was somewhat amazed.

"Oh, it's a great feeling. The man whom I antic.i.p.ated is the real thing, and more than the I expected."

Cecil smiled.

"And now? What are those two people doing?

"Kaidou-san and Ousawa Akatsuki seem to split up. There was contact with Kaidou-san, and he expressed a course of action to act alone."

"I see ...... you've worked hard."

"Leader, Do you have a plan for whats next?

"I am also a little unsure myself. It's best to play it by ear until the time comes."

"I understand. So forgive me for hanging up."

Without time for Cecil to respond, Memeko hung up the phone.

After placing the phone back on the marble table, Cecil crossed her legs in the tub.

"Ousawa Akatsuki....."

Cecil is trying to persuade him to join "Crimson Twilight" by any means, even now that feeling hasn't changed.

.....But as it stands now, it seems that not making him mime, also seems to be pretty good.

An intense pain ran through her heart. I'm afraid there isn't any other girl in this world --- who can conquer Akatsuki first.

Cecil is unable to resist her desire for Akatsuki.

......But......

If Akatsuki choices to surrender to me himself, that also seems to be a good alternative. At that time, Akatsuki will become the first man in her life.

".....make it through the night."

JPN-Babel has been in quarantine for a considerable amount of time already.

COc.o.o.n undoubtedly will start moving soon. Without doubt it is impossible for j.a.panese Government stay out of it.

"However..... I can't believe a third party got between them."

Memeko and I were both unable to foresee this situation, the uncertainty caused by the third party is definitely the most important key.

Perhaps --- that's the person who prompted Kyouya to betray COc.o.o.n and the root cause of his scheme.

"Zero and negative one.....however, now it is negative one and negative two. If possible I wanted to avoid this situation, but ......"

After the talking about balance of the future, Cecil'a skims the petals on the surface of water into her hands and lightly blows. Watching the flower petals fluttering in the air, it seems to be like reading the tea leaves in a cup.

Cecil End-heart sweetly smiles.

"In the past, only COc.o.o.n and Crimson Twilight were the two big powers in the world. However, you are certainly there now. Did you sense what it means to stand in a place where you control the fate of the world --- Akatsuki?"

And now......

It can be said that the stage is set for JPN-Babel's fate, in front appears a youthful figure.

He is a tall young man.

He has unkempt hair extending to his shoulders, a strong determination exudes from his eyes, and both are jet black.

A tough body covered with thick muscles and combat clothes of a Demon King of an alternate world.

This youth --- Ousawa Akatsuki looked up at Babel in front of his eyes with a fearless smile.

"Well, It's about time to get going."

The awe-inspiring skysc.r.a.per of Babel towers far into sky ---

It is Kyouya Hikami of the coc.o.o.n that is the strongest corner in the world that awaits.

A person part of world's most powerful group COc.o.o.n and person in charge of JPN-Babel school, Hikami Kyouya is waiting at the top to challenge Akatsuki.

Akatsuki's eyes don't have a trace of fear, he couldn't be more at ease.

It seemed like he was about to capture a great general from the impenetrable Alcazar.

Then......

"In the end you still choose a frontal attack?"

The girl standing next to him said.

This girl is none other then, what the people of the alternate world of Alayzard hailed as the "Jewel/treasure of Sherfied" --- Sherfied Listy. In Listy's voice there wasn't a hint of uneasiness, rather then a question it was more like an affirmation. This isn't the fist time Listy has met Akatsuki, the two have already had many years of friends.h.i.+p, naturally she understands what kind of personality he has.

Therefore......

"Without a doubt. Petty tricks are over with, and it's time to face each other."

Akatsuki smiled after saying so.

"It is standing in front of Hikami, and in front of him."

Ousawa Akatsuki will not compromise or back down.

In order to achieve his goal, Akatsuki will never give.

Kyouya made Miu, Haruka, Chikage and Kuzuha all shed tears.

This fact, urges Akatsuki proceed unceasingly forward.

Ousawa Akatsuki has an aesthetic.

In order to stop a girl's tears, he is willing to pay any price.

Therefore Akatsuki decided to cut the root cause of their tears. This reason to fight in itself is sufficient. In spite of any difficulties, whatever the cost.

Kyouya must be defeated, and the captured Miu is to be rescued.

There is absolutely no room for negotiations.

".....EH? Listy are you afraid to breakthrough?"

Perhaps Akatsuki was trying to give her determination, Listy is suddenly dumbfounded. This small change was hidden from Akatsuki's eyes.

"No, there is no such thing."

Listy shakes her head and deny it, but her eyes betray her obvious unease.

Akatsuki couldn't help thinking their current situation is really far from perfect.

Earlier on, he had a desperate fight with Kaidou Motoharu, and was further surprised that Miu is being manipulated. Also the fierce fight was with a member of "Crimson Twilight" the world's most powerful terrorist organization that is on an equal footing with COc.o.o.n. Plus an ultra high-dimensional being released a powerful spirit wave ---

The damage received by both was still left on Akatsuki's body.

Further Listy does not know that earlier in the evening Akatsuki experienced a life or death duel baptism. In a training program set up by Kubota, Akatsuki had an intense battle with a younger version of his father --- Ousawa Gouki. Thanks to that simulated fight, Akatsuki has mastered a new art of entering a "domain". But as a result it consumed a lot of his mental strength, but also had a small impact on his present physical condition.

However, Ousawa Akatsuki doesn't care.

......Oh, such a thing is nothing.

There was damage from fighting against other enemies and his physical condition was not perfect, but that was just unlucky. If he made such excuses he would have bucket loads.

However, if these excuses were enough for Akatsuki back down, he wouldn't be here right now.

After continuous fights with many enemies his physical strength was almost exhausted, even the G.o.ddess of luck has turned her back on him. Still, even in such a bad condition in order to achieve his goals and not compromise, Akatsuki chose to forge ahead.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to lose."

"Ah.....Me Too."

Still, Listy looks uneasy.

Then, after a moment of hesitation, she let out the anxiety that she was holding.

"But Akatsuki......don't forget that Miu is being manipulated.....and the conversation between you and her."

Listy clearly saw Akatsuki abruptly narrow his eyes reacting to her words.

The fact is making the always gentle Miu cry is "absolutely unforgivable" and was everyone's reason to hate the enemy. However out of all options in front of Akatsuki, this is the worst one.

"On account of --- after achieving our goal she intends to kill herself.

Though that possibility was immediately rejected after Miu regains her sanity.

......But ......

Deep inside of Listy, anxiety is welling up.

Of course Listy hopes that their isn't such a thing to worry about.

--- However, If it is for a sake of a girl, Akatsuki can tell a white lie to people without blinking an eye.

Akatsuki in fact has a "criminal record".

One of Akatsuki's white lies was to protect Listy.

In the past --- When the hero of Alayzard died, Akatsuki hide the truth of Leon's death in order to prevent any vengeance in his name. He alone shouldered the blame for Leon's death.

In order to protect the honor of the hero.

But also to protect Listy, who was almost physically and mentally overwhelmed by her heavy duty --- She lost all of her family, forced to abandon her City, and force to become Sherfied's Queen because she was the last of the Royal families.

After overthrowing the Demon King Garius, he renounced t.i.tle of a Hero and all the honor, all to prevent it from becoming a spark giving rise to more disputes. He just quietly returned to his world.

These are just a few cases. Time and time again, Akatsuki is willing to sacrifice himself for the people around him.

There is a possibility that in order for Akatsuki to accomplish this goal, he is willing do the same thing.

......And......

Sherfied Listy remembers it very clearly.

At the very last moment of the conversation with manipulated Miu, Akatsuki did not explicitly denied this possibility.

Therfore......

"I don't expect after Miu is rescued.....that everything is going to be fine --- but please in front of everyone, I want you to promise that when it's all over, you will still be together with all of us."

Listy is almost begging.

"...... Oh, I know."

Akatsuki nods along with a quiet smile, then slowly moves towards Babel's entrance.

While looking at Akatsuki's back, Listy couldn't help thinking --- perhaps Akatsuki's nod and smile is just another little white lie.

Even so, Listy still chose to believe in him.

She slowly started to follow behind Akatsuki --- then she saw.

The entrance door wasn't locked. No, even if it was locked, there should have been a way to entered amicably.

- However. Akatsuki stop in front of the door and started to channel "Renkan Keikikou".

Kei ran through Akatsuki's whole body.

Then in front of her eyes, Akatsuki focused his Kei into his right fist and without time to react he smashed the front door.

After a loud bang.....

Savoring the feeling of his right fist hitting something solid, Akatsuki looked around.

There in front of his eyes is the entrance to Babel destroyed into countless pieces.

- If you want to sneak into the enemies castle, keeping the utmost secrecy is desirable.

Granted that even when you break through the front, you don't need to give out your current whereabouts to the enemy.

However Akatsuki has his reasons for doing so.

Compared to the risk of being discovered by the enemy there is a much more important reason:

A declaration of war.

"Wash your neck, here i come to find you!"

Akatsuki had a fearless smile as he conveyed his messages to the enemy.

I'm right here, right under your feet.

Therefore --- there is no way out for you.

After telling aloud the inevitable future, Ousawa Akatsuki enters the enormous tower of Babel.

The long-awaited moment has finally come.

"This is game over, Hikami Kyouya."

Whether it is COc.o.o.n or a G.o.d, it doesn't matter.

Just making a girl cry is enough of a reason to crush you.